Louisiana bill expands first-degree murder charges and death penalty eligibility after mall shooting

A Louisiana bill expanded after a deadly mall shooting would broaden first-degree murder charges and potentially increase death penalty eligibility, and lawmakers cited the attack as justification for toughening the state’s homicide laws.

House Bill 102 was originally introduced to create a new crime targeting abuse or neglect that seriously harms elderly or vulnerable people.

But the proposal evolved significantly as it moved through the state legislature.

Lawmakers added provisions...